Dave Chappelle reveals Duke Ellington's theater won't be named after him - WTOP

Those expecting comedian Dave Chappelle to preside over a ceremony naming a theater building in his honor at his alma mater, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest D.C., Monday night received a big surprise.

“I want that for myself, and I want it for every student that is educated at this school,” Chappelle said.

Chappelle said he never asked to have the theater building named after him.

If and when the school is ever ready, it can add his name to the theater, the comedian said.

The school originally planned to name the theater after Chappelle in November, with the comedian saying in a speech to donors that honor was “the most significant honor of my life,” according to The Washington Post.

Some students also were critical of Chappelle, with some firing back at the comedian in person during a meeting before Thanksgiving.

According to multiple reports, exchanges between Chappelle and the students became antagonistic and combative.